University of Puget Sound Will Build Athletics and Aquatics Center

$19.4 million project will complement the school's existing fieldhouse and double the fitness program space.

Mike Kennedy, contributing writer | Mar 13, 2015

The University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, is moving forward with a $19.4 million plan to upgrade its recreation offerings with an aquatics and athletic center.

“The athletics and aquatics center is an important asset for our residential liberal arts college community," University President Ronald R. Thomas said in a news release. "In addition to meeting the athletic and recreational needs of our campus community, the new facilities will serve as a resource for our programs in academic disciplines such as exercise science, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.”

The project will add 38,000 square feet to the existing Memorial Fieldhouse; 24,000 square feet of existing space in the fieldhouse’s Pamplin Sports Center will be renovated.

The aquatics center will have a 25-yard pool with eight competition-width lanes and three warm-up lanes for instruction, rehabilitation and therapy.

The fitness center will nearly double in size. The building will have additional cardio and weight equipment, day-use locker rooms and a new climbing wall. The varsity team areas will gain new team meeting rooms, an enhanced sports medicine facility, and a coaching staff office suite.

A great hall will connect the aquatics center to Memorial Fieldhouse. This area will have a hall of fame and video showcase, a juice bar and café, and patron amenities.

Officials expect construction of the aquatics center to be completed by fall 2016. Renovations to the varsity locker rooms and sports medicine facility will be completed in August 2015